A creamy and rich key lime cheesecake with a salty and buttery pretzel crust and whipped topping! This Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust is the ultimate summer treat!
I really wanted to make Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting for Valentine’s Day. I had it in my head. I thought they’d be so pretty, maybe clever, and just perfect for the holiday.
I had an issue though – S.O. doesn’t like marshmallow. Come to think of that, I don’t think he’s much of a cupcake person either. He’s never indicated that he isn’t, but if I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him eat one (update: since originally writing that a few days ago, he ate these!).
So, when I made those cupcakes, I presented myself with a problem: I love them and they were pretty and delicious, but Valentine’s Day wasn’t about me. I guess. I needed (and wanted) to make something for S.O. For him, the answer is always cheesecake. It doesn’t really matter what the question is, the answer is cheesecake. It’s the way to his heart. This Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust was a total winner.
His absolute favorite cheesecake is my Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake. In his mind, that is the apex of desserts. It can’t be topped. I make that cheesecake year-round. It really doesn’t matter what season it is and whether pumpkin is fitting, we make it anytime because we LOVE it. Still, I was determined to make something more seasonally appropriate than pumpkin, and I also had a ton of key limes leftover from when S.O. brought home a big bag of like 30.
The verdict: it was decided that key lime cheesecake, and key lime dessert in general, are something that we adore, but do not eat enough of. Key lime zest and fresh key lime juice flavor this super rich and creamy Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust. Over time, I’ve personally found that my favorite cheesecakes are very dense. If the mood strikes, I like a light and fluffy cheesecake, but for the most part, I want a really rich and dense cheesecake, but still very creamy. This delivers.
With a crushed pretzel crust, you also get that delightful sweet and salty flavor combination. The key lime and pretzels together taste a little margarita-like. Sweet, salty, AND tart. This is a unique Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust is one that doesn’t disappoint.
I know that it went over well with my S.O., not just because he told me so, but because this dessert did a partial disappearing act overnight, as cheesecake is so prone to doing in this house. All desserts, actually!
Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust
Ingredients
Pretzel crust:
- 2 1/2 c. crushed pretzel twists
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. unsalted butter melted
Key Lime Cheesecake:
- 4 - 8 oz. packages reduced fat cream cheese softened
- 1 1/4 c. sugar
- 1 tbsp. vanilla
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 c. fresh key lime juice
- 2 tbsp. key lime zest
Topping:
- 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. key lime zest
Instructions
For crust:
- In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter.
- Mix until crumbly, and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, pressing the crumbs slightly up the edges.
For filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth and well-combined.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time. Blend well after each addition.
- Beat in key lime juice and zest.
- Pour into prepared pretzel crust.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 60-70 minutes. The edges will be golden brown, and the center will still jiggle slightly, but will set as it cools.
- Allow to cool completely. Refrigerate to chill.
For topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in zest.
- Spread topping over cooled and chilled cheesecake. Enjoy!
So, yeah, it’s good! 🙂
I just made a key lime mousse pie on a pretzel crust and I am just in love. Now I wish I did cheesecake 🙂
Haha! That’s so funny. Our brains are on the same page lately because I just made blackberry shortcakes with lemon curd this week and then I saw your delicious pie!!!
This is gorgeous! YUM!!!
Thank you so much!
What a gorgeous cheesecake! I’m totally channeling spring right now! And I’m loving that pretzel crust, sounds delicious!
Thanks so much, Gayle!
Oh that’s absolutely beautiful Sarah! I have yet to make an actual cheesecake. I’ve made mini ones, but I’ve never made a full size cheesecake. That definitely needs to change. Especially since you keep showing me pictures of all these amazing cheesecakes that I want to try! And a pretzel crust too. Mmmm.
Yes, you definitely should! Mine ALWAYS crack, and I know I could fix that, but I don’t actually care to. I just accept that it cracks, and slather some whipped cream on top!! 🙂
Looks delicious, Sarah! My husband’s two favorite desserts are key lime pie and cheesecake…this would obviously be heaven for him! Pinning it and I’ll be making it soon!
Oh that’s awesome!! We love cheesecake too, and we definitely love key lime stuff, but don’t eat it enough! Gonna have to change that. Thanks, Blair! 🙂
Dear goodness! I need this in my life! Key lime pie and cheesecake are my two fave desserts. I’m pinning this for later.
Aww, thanks so much, Dorothy! So glad you like it!
Mmm I love the pretzel crust on this!
Thanks so much! It adds a nice salty touch!
I love key lime cheesecake! The idea to put it on a pretzel crust is pure genius! Pinning!
Thank you so much! It makes these sweet, tangy, AND salty! Haha! 🙂
Yum! I love anything cheesecake and anything key lime so this sounds amazing! I love the pretzel crust too! Clever 🙂
Thank you, Anna! So glad you like it! 🙂
Oh my, that looks like the most perfect cheesecake ever!! Just beautiful Sarah! Pinned.
Thanks, girl! 🙂
Cheesecake and me started this new relationship and I am loving it! This looks devine! What a fun twist with the pretzel crust! And I am so happy the hubby loved it and glad he even ate the cupcakes. 🙂 My hubby isn’t a huge dessert person in general which is a bummer cause then I have to eat it all. Of course I don’t have to but…well you know that rest, hehe. 😉 Pinned.
Lol! I hear ya! Thankfully, my S.O. does eat sweets because I do need help eating them up around here! I have a sweet tooth too so I could certainly eat them all myself, but I try not to! Haha! 🙂
This looks INCREDIBLE!! Two of my favorite desserts all in one gorgeous package 😀
Yay!! So glad you like it! Thank you!
I have a love/hate relationship with cheesecake. Love it because it is amazing and tastes so good, but hate it because I can’t ever stop eating it. I am loving how rich and creamy this one looks…and just yes to that pretzel crust!!
I know what you mean!!! It’s a guilty pleasure of mine too. I have a hard time ever turning it down. My S.O. goes through it even faster than I do though! Thanks so much, Jocelyn! 🙂
My mom will love this! She is a big key lime lover, and this is a nice change on the regular key lime pie. I love the pretzel crust idea. I have a family member coming from out of town one of these days to visit her, and we will have to make it then!
HAHAHA!!! We will make it. It is easy to make, and Gma will love it if she likes key lime. She does seem to really like the key lime yogurt flavor!
She loves key lime pie! She acquired a taste for it in Florida!
This key like cheesecake looks gorgeous and sounds fantastic! Love the pretzel crust! Definitely a must try!!!
Thank you so much, Mira! 🙂
This cheesecake looks gorgeous! I love key lime desserts and it sounds amazing with the pretzel crust! This is totally getting me geared up for spring too!
This looks so delicious!
Thank you so much!! We love cheesecake and this had amazing flavor!
My husband’s favorite dessert is key lime pie. We have a key lime tree that produces lots of key limes. I freeze it in batches for a pie. Works great. I still have lots in the freezer. I think I will try your key lime cheesecake version and see how he likes it.
Thanks for the recipe,
Bev
That’s a great idea, Beverly!! We just planted a lime tree last year, we are waiting for it to produce and it seems to be struggling. I *need* to get a key lime tree now that you mention it!! That’s such a good idea. 🙂
I am thinking this tastes so darn amazing! I love the pretzel crust with the key lime cheesecake – wonderful!!! BTW….Can I have some? 🙂
Looks amazing- anything involving a pretzel crust is a win- I love the salty and sweet flavor combo!
I stopped by from Totally Talented Tuesdays.
So glad you like this recipe, Jessy! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love that you made a pretzel crust!! This cheesecake looks like the best one ever!
Aww, thank you so much, Dorothy!! 🙂
Hi there! This looks so pretty, I don’t know if I would want to even cut it… Nah, I could probably put this whole thing down in one sitting. Maybe two if I had a big lunch 😉 Thanks so much for linking up at Wordless Wednesday- Great job!
Thanks so much for the party!
THIS sounds soooo yummy and refreshing. Love Key Lime Pie! Thanks for sharing on Found & Foraged!
Thanks, Kyla! Thanks so much for the party!
Key lime is one of my favorite cheesecake flavors! I can’t wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing on Weekend bites.
Thanks so much for the party, Adelina!
Love that salty and sweet combo! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Thanks so much!
I lo-ove cheesecake and the sweet salty combo sound heavenly. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party on Organized 31.
Thanks so much for the party!
This looks great – I love key lime pie! Thanks for linking up at Best of the Weekend!
I have such wonderful memories to Key West, that whenever I hear ‘key lime pie’ I smile. However, I actually never made it even though I brought a postcard with the recipe on it home with me! Where it is??? Who knows. So thank you for sharing your recipe here. Maybe something to make over Easter… Hugs/kisses, from Rose, FineCraftGuild.com
That’s so fun, Rose! I have lived in central FL for 7 years now and still haven’t gone to Key West. I really need to go. So glad you like this cheesecake!
Sarah, I love cheesecake, and yours sounds fantastic (and your photography is really lovely!). Perfect for St. Patrick’s day. 🙂 Featuring tonight at Treasure Box Tuesday- we get started at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time! Thank you for partying with us- pinned! 🙂
Thank you so much, Joy! Your comment was so sweet! I’m thrilled you like the cheesecake, and thank you for the feature!
I’m loving this! You always bring such amazing things to our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you tonight at 7 at our party. I can’t wait! Lou Lou Girls
Thank you so much for the party! 🙂
This looks absolutely divine!! Pinning! So glad to have seen you at Treasure Box Tuesday!
Thanks so much, Lauren!
PINNED! And I wish I could invite myself over for a slice…this looks amazing!
Thanks so much, girl! 🙂
Mmmm, this sounds SO good! Thanks so much for sharing at the Create & Share Link Party. Hope to see you again tonight (7:00 PM MST)!
Thanks so much, Mandee! I always appreciate the party!
I just made some key lime bars this looks amazing. Pinned for later!Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party! Hope to see you again soon. Shared…
Thanks so much!
Hi- I made this cheesecake for an end of summer party and it was delicious. I had some problems with the crust. It was dry and crumbly and lots of crumbs remained in pan and made a big mess. What is the correct measurement of the pretzels? Before or after they are crushed? Also, I baked this for 70 minutes and refrigerated overnight but still felt it was a bit soft. Everyone said it was very good but I didn’t think it presented well. I’ll try it again though.
Thanks for sharing on What’s for Dinner!
Cheesecake and key lime pie are two of my favourite ever desserts, and I’m not much of a dessert fan! And the photos are excellent – can’t wait to give this a try! 😀
Thank you so much!!
Love anything key lime but cheesecake with pretzels sounds fantastic! Look forward to making this soon! Thanks for the recipe! Blessings, Janet
I never would have thought to use pretzel for the crust…LOVE that idea! I’ll bet it tastes amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!
Thanks, Lisa!
This looks incredible. I love to get recipes that use key limes since my tree is producing so many.
Hugs,
Bev
You are so lucky! Our lime tree is fruitless. You’ll love the cheesecake!
This is a gorgeous cheesecake! Perfect for summer!
Thank you so much!
Yumm! This cheesecake looks great! Pinned 😀
What a great flavor combo!! This sounds divine!! Desserts disappear around here, too, during the night. Darned elves.
Thanks for sharing this with us at Throwback Thursday this week!
Mollie
LOVE the idea of a pretzel crust!
This sounds amazing! Thanks for adding to the Best of the Blogosphere!!
I love the idea of the pretzel crust. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday. Pinned and shared! Can’t wait to see what you bring to the party this week.
Oh my goodness, now I want to be your valentine too! Do you have room in your heart for me too? 😉 I definitely need to make this soon! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday!
This sounds so delicious! I love the combination of sweet and salty, and I bet it’s wonderful with the tartness of the key limes. Yummed and Pinning for future reference!
Thanks for sharing again at the #InspirationSpotlight. Shared
That is simple to make and a very healthful and delectable recipe to make this at home, Last time I visited that website for make the fantastic homemade recipe. We love this recipe! We included it in our top 26 Keto recipes article- Thanks again!